Angela Mortoza, chief executive officer at the Dallas County Hospital, has received the American Hospital Association (AHA) Grassroots Champion Award at a conference of the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA), the hospital announced in a statement Friday.
This Grassroots Champion Award honors individuals who demonstrate “outstanding advocacy on behalf of hospitals at the local, state and national levels,” the award commendation said. Mortoza “exemplifies that commitment through her tireless efforts to build strong relationships with community and state leaders.”
Mortoza consistently attends the AHA annual meeting in Washington, D.C., along with the hospital’s board and clinical leadership in order to engage directly with Iowa’s congressional delegation, in this way amplifying the voice of her rural community.
“Her dedication doesn’t stop at the federal level,” the Grassroots Champion commendation said. “Mortoza is a passionate advocate within Iowa, participating in IHA’s Hospital Day on the Hill and welcoming state legislators and state agency leaders to Dallas County Hospital to ensure they understand the challenges her organization and community face and opportunities.”
Mortoza is a member of the IHA Political Action Committee and the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation Board of Directors.
“Her leadership and advocacy make her a true champion for rural health care and a deserving recipient of this award,” the Grassroots Champion commendation said.
Mortoza was named a “CEO to Know” by Becker’s Healthcare in 2025, and the Dallas County Hospital was named a Central Iowa Top Workplace and a National Healthcare Top Workplace just last month.
The Perry native holds a master’s in healthcare administration degree and nursing degrees, having held leadership positions with MercyOne before transitioning to CEO at Adair Health System. A graduate of Perry High School, Mortoza jumped at the chance to become the DCH CEO and has been in the role for almost 10 years. She also serves on the board of directors of the Perry Economic Development Inc.